During Hurricane Season, life can become dangerous. Are you prepared? Are you ready for storms capable of creating enormous waves, damaging storm surges and even tornadoes? Are you ready for storms up to 1200 miles in diameter? For super strong winds over 200 mph that can damage or destroy bridges, buildings, automobiles and any outside object? That can transform loose debris into deadly missiles?

Click on this checklist to see downloadable version.

If you are not ready, then you need to get ready. Here are some HURRICANE PREPARATION instructions, facts, and tips:

To begin, an interesting fact: the word hurricane comes from huracán, the Spanish word for the storm god Juracán believed by Mayan culture to have created dry land out of the stormy waters.

Now to get serious, here are basics you need to get together: Nonperishable food items, tape, batteries, towels, rain ponchos, water, a first aid kit, flashlights, a multi-tool, emergency survival blankets, a NOAA weather radio, personal hygiene items, and any special medications you require.

Make sure your car gas tank is full!

Before evacuation, stay indoors during a hurricane and keep away from windows or glass doors. Close any interior doors and brace all your external doors. Keep curtains and blinds closed tight. If you hear a lull in the storm, don’t relax your guard! You might be in the eye of the storm, and winds can return.

When you need to evacuate, try to remain calm and follow a plan.

Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio for critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS). NOAA is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a scientific agency within the Department of Commerce alerted to conditions of oceans and the atmosphere.

Check your disaster supplies and replace as needed.

If notified that a hurricane situation is near, bring inside anything that can be tossed around by the wind. This would include bikes, outside furniture, playground equipment, etc.

Close all windows, doors or hurricane shutters. If you have not installed hurricane shutters, board up all your windows and doors with pieces of plywood.

Turn off propane tanks and unplug small appliances.

Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings. Keep them closed to help food last longer if power goes out.

You should already have a hurricane evacuation plan discussed with members of your household. Planning and practicing a plan reduces mistakes and distress during the incident.

You should already know your local area’s hurricane response plans. Know routes to local shelters, make sure you’ve registered family members with special medical needs, and make sure you have a plan for pets to be cared for. Many emergency shelters can now accommodate some pets.

Obey evacuation orders! Avoid flooded roads or washed out bridges!

Remember that standard homeowner’s insurance almost never covers flooding. If you live in or near a hurricane area, it’s important to have protection from floods associated with hurricanes, tropical storms, and related conditions that impact the U.S.

Remember to get ready now. Don’t let a deadly hurricane catch you off your guard! Download and Print this Tracking Chart to track storms.